So tomorrow is the big day, well technically it isn't really the big day as I will be in Tijuana for a few days first. I am leaving Ensenada Mexico to move to San Diego, California. Ensenada has been my home for the past 3 1/2 years and I will greatly miss this place, my apartment, my community of friends and family (and not necessarily in that order) but I am at peace with the move. About 1 1/2 weeks ago I received a call from Brett, our COO in San Diego, asking me to prayerfully consider changing locations and jobs. I must say that every time I have received this type of call from Brett the immediate response and gut-feeling has always been NO. This time was very different. I listened to the opportunity being laid out before me and really didn't feel that resounding NO that I am used to feeling. I told Brett that I would pray about it. This was all in the middle of Mission Adventures, the ministry that I have worked with and lead for the past 3 years. This year was a little different because of lack of staff, I was also going out with teams each day. Because of this, my prayer time was very limited and what normally would have only taken a few days to consider took me nearly a week. This past Wednesday I informed one of my leaders here (who had been praying with me about this decision) and the HR people in San Diego that I would come up for a trial period of 6 months. I will be working as the Mission Adventures Registrar for all of YWAM San Diego/Baja. All the teams that come through our base for Mission Adventures will basically go through me. I will be handling all the up front stuff whereas I have been handling all the back end for the past 3 years.
So, why the trial period you may ask? Well, living in San Diego and working in the offices is MUCH different from working and living here in Ensenada. Major differences include San Diego's schedule is much more contained and predictable with a 9-5 office-like setting whereas Ensenada is much more relaxed, flexible and can be a 7:30 - 2 AM kind of setting. Ensenada has a community/family feel built in as you can open your doors to welcome the random passerby (of YWAMers of course) or close the door if you want to just chill with your roomies. San Diego is pretty much a business office and once you leave work everyone kinda has their own social life outside of YWAM, doing their own thing. I currently live in a house with 3 other roomies (although one is currently on outreach) but will be living in a house with 4 other housemates in San Diego. In Ensenada, we have 3 meals a day cooked for us (which we help out with occasionally) but in San Diego, I am on my own for my meals. In Ensenada, I walk across the street (literally) to go to work and very rarely need to leave the base for anything. In San Diego, I will need to rely on others for transportation back and forth to work as well as grocery shopping and social activities. I am looking forward to getting involved with a church again but I have never been "church shopping" before in my life as I have attended the same church (Metro Church of God in Birmingham, AL) for the last almost 30 years. Living in Mexico, you don't need a car. Living in the states, you do!!!
I am also struggling with the whole idea and concept of being a missionary in San Diego. I mean even my sister mentioned to me something like "so are you still going to be a missionary?". I feel that it is easier for me to say that I am a missionary and need support while living and "working" in Mexico but in Sunny San Diego, California? Not so much!!!
Finances is another thing that is going to be different. As I stated above, I will have to provide my own food. I will also have to pay for utilities which I are included in my staff fees in Ensenada. One of my greatest spiritual gifts is Faith so I am not really worried about how God will provide or if He will. It is just going to be a bigger adjustment. i don't think it is by accident though that God is moving me to a place where my financial responsibilities are increasing but the support I was receiving from YWAM has gone away. This just means that I get to live even more by faith.
Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings. I have way too much to do to continue writing this down. I will keep you all updated on what all is going on in my life!!
Please keep me in your prayers as this transition is going to be hard and exciting all at the same time. If the Lord leads you to join me in my journey, please email me at [email protected] and I will give you more information. You can also JOIN MY GO TEAM by clicking the link above!! Blessings on all of you!!
So, why the trial period you may ask? Well, living in San Diego and working in the offices is MUCH different from working and living here in Ensenada. Major differences include San Diego's schedule is much more contained and predictable with a 9-5 office-like setting whereas Ensenada is much more relaxed, flexible and can be a 7:30 - 2 AM kind of setting. Ensenada has a community/family feel built in as you can open your doors to welcome the random passerby (of YWAMers of course) or close the door if you want to just chill with your roomies. San Diego is pretty much a business office and once you leave work everyone kinda has their own social life outside of YWAM, doing their own thing. I currently live in a house with 3 other roomies (although one is currently on outreach) but will be living in a house with 4 other housemates in San Diego. In Ensenada, we have 3 meals a day cooked for us (which we help out with occasionally) but in San Diego, I am on my own for my meals. In Ensenada, I walk across the street (literally) to go to work and very rarely need to leave the base for anything. In San Diego, I will need to rely on others for transportation back and forth to work as well as grocery shopping and social activities. I am looking forward to getting involved with a church again but I have never been "church shopping" before in my life as I have attended the same church (Metro Church of God in Birmingham, AL) for the last almost 30 years. Living in Mexico, you don't need a car. Living in the states, you do!!!
I am also struggling with the whole idea and concept of being a missionary in San Diego. I mean even my sister mentioned to me something like "so are you still going to be a missionary?". I feel that it is easier for me to say that I am a missionary and need support while living and "working" in Mexico but in Sunny San Diego, California? Not so much!!!
Finances is another thing that is going to be different. As I stated above, I will have to provide my own food. I will also have to pay for utilities which I are included in my staff fees in Ensenada. One of my greatest spiritual gifts is Faith so I am not really worried about how God will provide or if He will. It is just going to be a bigger adjustment. i don't think it is by accident though that God is moving me to a place where my financial responsibilities are increasing but the support I was receiving from YWAM has gone away. This just means that I get to live even more by faith.
Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings. I have way too much to do to continue writing this down. I will keep you all updated on what all is going on in my life!!
Please keep me in your prayers as this transition is going to be hard and exciting all at the same time. If the Lord leads you to join me in my journey, please email me at [email protected] and I will give you more information. You can also JOIN MY GO TEAM by clicking the link above!! Blessings on all of you!!
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